Move aside Jarrod Bowen – How Mateus Fernandes is fast becoming the best player at West Ham
West Ham are beginning to rely more heavily on Mateus Fernandes.
Fernandes signed for West Ham from Southampton in the summer as the Hammers finally looked to improve their midfield options.
The Portugal international came in alongside Soungotou Magassa from AS Monaco in the hope of revolutionising the middle of the park in E20.
Magassa scored the winner against Manchester United, but has generally struggled for minutes, while his midfield colleague has flourished.
Fernandes has been a go-to man under Nuno Espirito Santo and will surely have Jarrod Bowen looking over his shoulder at the London Stadium.
Mateus Fernandes continues to shine for West Ham
Fernandes is even outperforming Declan Rice in certain areas this season, such has been his performance level in claret and blue.
The 21-year-old has already made 12 starts for the Hammers and only looks to be improving with every further appearance.
The summer signing has averaged a stunning 90.4 per cent pass accuracy this season and has created 1.56 chances per 90 with those.
Nuno’s side has also benefited from his 1.28 fouls won per match, something which has helped relieve pressure on the backline.
His defensive work has certainly aided that in kind, with 3.12 tackles, 5.77 duels won, 1.01 interceptions and 4.40 recoveries per 90 in the league this campaign.
This all ties in to an all-rounder that the Irons have been able to count on, especially against Brighton, where he was arguably West Ham’s best player.
Fernandes was the most fouled player on the pitch, being brought down five times, while also winning the most duels on the pitch with 16.
This level of impact is only increasing his importance in East London, especially with Bowen continuing to struggle in Nuno’s more defensive structure.
Fernandes starting to eclipse Jarrod Bowen importance
The England international may have found the net against the Seagulls, but without his Portuguese teammate, the scoreline could have swayed in Brighton’s favour.
It is no surprise that Fernandes came off, and suddenly the Hammers look more exposed and go on to concede less than 10 minutes later.
His ability to shield the backline is massive and is arguably becoming a more important factor than the attacking gile of Bowen.
The skipper lost nine duels at the Amex and failed with four of his attempted dribbles and four accurate crosses, putting his side under more pressure as a result.
Should both players continue on their current trajectory in E20, it is fair to say Fernandes could soon be recognised as the Hammers’ most important player.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest West Ham United news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @westhamzone247